Danny and Nathalie: Ruby Hill (Bay Area) Wedding

Weeks?  Months maybe?  How long has it been since I blogged??? Oh lordy.  I got sick, I packed, moved, built things, unpacked and got sick again… and we finally have internet!!  More on the move in a later post.

I don’t even know how to begin with this wedding.  It is among my top 3 favorite weddings of ALL TIME (am I allowed to say that?  It’s my blog… my rules

I have known Danny since I first moved to California when I was 16.  He was one of my very best friends in high school.  We were in youth group together.  So many of my early memories of Southern California involve Danny.

I remember when he first met Nathalie on a mission trip to Africa.

Yes you heard me correctly.

They met in Africa.

I like to think I have something to do with them getting married.  Me and Javi did encourage him to confess his undying love to Nathalie.

Which he did.

And then she turned him down.

Okay so maybe I had nothing to do with it.  But God definitely had a plan with these two, and shortly before this last Christmas, they got married.  In front of a Christmas tree.  And their family and friends…

…and their bawling photographer.

The day was beautiful and sunny and cool… it was full of love, joy, promises, and tears.  And I could not feel more privileged to have been there taking the pictures!!!  I apologize now if there are 10 million pictures in this post but really, it was gorgeous!

Nathalie managed to keep her dress a secret from EVERYONE until the DAY OF HER WEDDING!!!  Um… so fun!  Needless to say they were all blown away!  And I MAY have done a little happy dance when she pulled it out!

Jimmy Choo shoes?  Well, if you insist. Loved shooting around Christmas time.  Gorgeous sparkles… Danny proposed in Hawaii, so Nathalie got his ring from there.  I love the detail of the island being etched into the inside of the band! Oh these boys.  It was definitely interesting shooting a wedding where I had grown up with almost every groomsman. Have I mentioned the dress?  THE DRESS…. Toasts for the guys. Nathalie and her mom (side note.  I am NOT lying when I say I honestly thought Nathalie’s mom was her sister.  Gorgeous women in this fam). I think this is the most amazing first look.  I may or may not have cried right along with them… Shoes.  Amazingness. Nathalie.  Please stop being so beautiful.  Come on, stop it some more And Danny, you’re not so bad yourself. I don’t usually post bridal party pictures, but these ladies are just too gorg. And the boys… well… they were sword fighting with umbrellas…. One of the best things about first looks is we have TONS of time for pictures of the couple together.  I ADORE the pics we got of Danny and Nathalie together.  They are stunning. Fairytale much?!? And the ceremony.  Did I mention it was in front of a giant Christmas tree?  Because it was.  And it was amazing. This next picture is a little out of focus, but I ADORE it.  I love the feel of it.  This was right after they walked back down the aisle. Party time!  Nathalie did an amazing job with all of the little details! First dance.  Love these.  Love them.  Amazing. I have so much to say about these two and their wedding… so many wonderful things.  But I will leave you with just the gorgeous pictures.  And a sincere, heartfelt thank you to Danny and Nathalie for allowing me to be such a personal wonderful part of their day.  I am so thankful for awesome couples who trust me so much to do this.  I am constantly blessed.  Danny and Nathalie… you’re amazing.  Congratulations!!!